• Country/entity

  Republic of Congo
  

• Region

  Africa (excl MENA)
  

• Agreement name

  Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo

• Date

  16 Nov 1999

• Agreement status

  Multiparty signed/agreed

• Interim arrangement

  Yes

• Agreement/conflict level

  Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( Republic of Congo Civil Wars (1993 - 1994) (1997 - 1999) )

• Stage

  Ceasefire/related

• Conflict nature

  Government

• Peace process

  Republic of Congo peace process

• Parties

  p.p. the Command of the Security Forces
  General Gilbert Mokoki
  [signed]
  
  p.p. the Ninja Command
  Bernard Ntandou
  [signed]
  
  p.p. the Résistance Sud Sud Command
  Fidèle Ngoma Adada
  [signed]
  
  p.p. the Cobras Command
  Faustin Elenga
  [signed]
  
  p.p. the MNLCR Command
  Martin Ngolo
  [signed]
  
  p.p. the MNLC Command
  Colonel M'Bouissi-Moukoko
  [signed]
  
  p.p. the “Bana Dol” Command
  P/M Jean-Michel Dississa
  [signed]

• Third parties

  p.p. the Monitoring Commission of the Douala Appeal (Facilitator) Marius Mouambenga [signed] p.p. the World Peace Council Africa Area/Congo. Fed. (Facilitator) Vital Balla [signed]

• Description

  An agreement ending the hostilities between the Congolese forces and a number of Armed Groups. The agreement is primarily a ceasefire-related agreement but covers some additional issues including DDR arrangements, amnesty provisions, and prisoner release.

• Agreement document

  CG_991116_AgreementonEndingHostilities.pdf | Download PDF

Groups

Gender

State definition

Governance

Power sharing

Human rights and equality

Rights related issues

Rights institutions

Justice sector reform

Socio-economic reconstruction

Land, property and environment

Security sector

Transitional justice

Implementation

AGREEMENT ON ENDING HOSTILITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO

• Convinced that without peace, our country, the Congo, cannot preserve and consolidate national unity and promote democracy and development.

• Convinced that only dialogue and the non-resort of arms, without exception, can lead to a lasting solution for our country’s internal and external conflicts.

• Convinced that the restoration of peace can be preserved through:

1 - Putting an unconditional end to armed clashes between different militias and government forces in our country, as well as every form of violence;

2 - The promulgation of an amnesty law for armed groups of former militias, having laid down their arms;

3 - The rescue of people in danger in the forest regions of Pool, Bouenza, Lekoumou, and Niari;

4 - The return to normal democratic society in our country.

We, the undersigned, acting on behalf of:

1. The High Command of the Security Forces

2. Armed Factions, including:

The Cobras

National Movement for the Liberation of Congo (M.N.L.C.)

The New National Movement for the Liberation of Congo (M.N.L.C.R.)

Bana Dol

Résistance Sud Sud

Ninjas

3. Facilitators:

Monitoring Commission of the Douala Appeal (CSAD) ;

World Peace Council - Africa Area/Congolese Federation of NGOs, Development Foundations and Associations (CMPZA/FECON DE).

Agree as follows:

(a) The adoption and promulgation of an amnesty law for armed groups of former militias having laid down their arms.

(b) An end to hostilities throughout the national territory and particularly in the regions of Pool, Bouenza, Lekoumou, and Niari.

(c) The redeployment of the Security Forces in villages, towns, roads, railways, airports, and ports.

(d) The demilitarisation of political parties, movements, and associations.

(e) The free movement of people and goods, as well as humanitarian personnel, in conflict zones.

(f) The rehabilitation of public and customary laws in conflict areas.

(g) Rehabilitation and reintegration into the Security Forces, without consultation, of senior officers, junior officers, NCOs, troops, members of armed factions, and signatories of this agreement, having renounced violence, laid down their arms, and joined the barracks.

(h) The rehabilitation and reintegration of civil servants and other semipublic and government officials, members of the armed factions who are now signatories, having renounced violence, laid down their arms, and joined their respective administrations.

(i) The rehabilitation and reintegration into schools and universities of pupils and students, members of armed factions who are now signatories, having renounced violence, laid down their arms, and rejoined their place of education.

(j) The release of all civilian and military personnel detained because of the war of June 5th 1997 and its resulting effects.

(k) The establishment of a Monitoring Commission for the agreement on ending hostilities in the Republic of Congo whose responsibilities and composition are defined in the Appendix.

(I) The collection of all illegally-held weapons, ammunition, and explosives, under the command of the Security Forces and assisted by the signatories.

1 - FROM OFFICERS OF THE SECURITY FORCES WHO HAVE BELONGED TO ARMED FACTIONS

The signatories of this agreement demand:

(a) The final and unconditional abandonment of the use of war weapons, unless during legal missions prescribed by the competent authorities of the Republic.

(b) The unconditional return to the Congolese Security Forces of willing officers, NCOs, and troops, reprising the same rank they held on June 5th 1997, as from the date this agreement is signed.

(c) The resignation from the Security Forces of all those who have chosen a career in politics, by adhering to one political party in particular.

This resignation will be automatic and will come into effect on January 1st 2000.

(d) The surrender of illegally-held military weapons no later than December 15th 1999.

(e) The definitive resignation of membership to an armed faction throughout the national territory.

2 - FROM CIVILS SERVANT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVING BELONGED TO ARMED FACTIONS

The signatories of this agreement demand:

(a) The definitive and unconditional surrender of all illegal weapons held, and their restitution to the Security Forces.

(b) The unconditional return to the ranks of the Civil Service no later than December 15th 1999.

(c) The definitive resignation of any membership of an armed faction throughout the national territory.

3 - FROM PUPILS AND STUDENTS BELONGING TO ARMED FORCES

The signatories of this agreement demand:

(a) The definitive and unconditional surrender of all illegal weapons held, and their restitution to the Security Forces.

(b) The unconditional return to their respective schools and universities no later than December 15th 1999.

(c) The definitive resignation of any membership of an armed faction throughout the national territory.

4 - FROM OTHER GROUPS OF ARMED FACTIONS THAT ARE SIGNATORIES OF THIS AGREEMENT

The signatories of this agreement demand:

(a) The definitive and unconditional surrender of all illegal weapons held, and their restitution to the Security Forces.

(b) An unconditional end to all forms of abuse against Congolese citizens and foreigners living on Republic of Congo territory.

(c) Unconditional contribution to the rescue of populations who risk death in the forest regions of Pool, Bouenza, Lekoumou, Niari, Plateaux and Kouilou, under the command of the Security Forces and assisted by the signatories.

(d) The definitive resignation of any membership of an armed faction throughout the national territory.

(e) Commitment to participate, when necessary, in the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and also the securing, of economic infrastructures.

5 - FROM THE HIGH COMMAND OF THE SECURITY FORCES

The signatories of this agreement demand:

(a) The unconditional reinstatement into the Congolese Security Forces, reprising the same rank they held on June 5th 1997, of soldiers, gendarmes, police, and other civilian personnel, who joined their respective body no later than December 15th 1999, and have returned their weapons.

(b) An end to all military action against the armed factions that are signatories of this agreement, unless in the event that the agreement is breached.

(c) The construction of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of combatants and civilians returning to their habitual place of residence, under the supervision of the Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo.

(d) Integration into the Security Forces, in accordance with the requirements and abilities of each, of armed militia groups that are signatories of this agreement, having renounced violence and laid down their arms before December 15th 1999.

6 - FROM THE MONITORING COMMISSION OF THE DOUALA APPEAL AND THE WORLD PEACE COUNCIL Africa Area/Congolese Federation

The signatories of this agreement demand:

(a) Contribution to the monitoring of the implementation of this agreement.

(b) Contribution to the promotion of each micro-project allowing civilian victims of violence to reintegrate into society.

7 – RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC

The signatories of this agreement make the following recommendations to the Government of the Republic:

(a) The unconditional reinstatement into the Civil Service, in the respective category and level as at June 5th 1997, and the indiscriminatory assignment of civil servants and other State officials who have surrendered their weapons and joined their respective administrations by December 15th 1999 at the latest.

(b) The reinstatement of civil servant and servicemen salaries upon work effectively resuming.

(c) The mobilisation of the international community for the massive support of NGOs in micro-projects for the reinstatement and retraining of militiamen and members of armed factions that are now signatories of this agreement, who will have renounced violence and surrendered their weapons by no later than December 15th 1999.

8 - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

The signatories of this agreement request from the President of the Republic:

(a) The appointment of a High Authority to promote peace and National Reconciliation.

(b) The facilitation of the implementation of this agreement in Congo’s neighbouring countries.

9 – SHARED STIPULATIONS

(a) The signatories of this agreement agree to encourage and integrate all initiatives that contribute to the preservation of peace in the Republic of Congo.

(b) They ask all citizens and organised groups to contribute to the collection of weapons, under the command of the Security Forces and assisted by the signatories.

(c) They demand that political parties, movements, and associations no longer employ armed branches and recommend to those that have not yet registered with the Home Office to comply with the law.

(d) They proclaim the dissolution of all militias that are signatories of this agreement.

(e) They demand the ban throughout the national territory of coercive acts and reprisals against any person or organised group that adheres to commit to the promotion of peace and national reconciliation.

10 — FINAL STIPULATIONS

The signatories of this agreement promise to form a united alliance that is capable of opposing all forces that are hostile to peace and national reconciliation, as well as supporters of violence in all its forms.

All the non-signatory parties of the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo may join, by no later than December 15th 1999, by submitting written confirmation of their membership to the Monitoring Commission of this agreement.

Drawn up in Pointe-Noire, on November 16th 1999 Signatories

p.p. the Command of the Security Forces

General Gilbert Mokoki

[signed]

p.p. the Monitoring Commission of the Douala Appeal (Facilitator)

Marius Mouambenga

[signed]

p.p. the Ninja Command

Bernard Ntandou

[signed]

p.p. the World Peace Council Africa Area/Congo.

Fed. (

Facilitator)

Vital Balla

[signed]

p.p. the Résistance Sud Sud Command

Fidèle Ngoma Adada

[signed]

p.p. the Cobras Command

Faustin Elenga

[signed]

p.p. the MNLCR Command

Martin Ngolo

[signed]

p.p. the MNLC Command

Colonel M'Bouissi-Moukoko

[signed]

p.p. the “Bana Dol” Command

P/M Jean-Michel Dississa

[signed]

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Unity - :

- Work - :

- Progress

ANNEX No.

1

THE AGREEMENT ON ENDING HOSTILITIES IN THE REPLUBLIC OF CONGO

(adopted in Pointe-Noire on November 16th 1999)

DEED FOR THE CREATION OF A MONITORING COMMISSION

Article 1

Under the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of the Congo, a Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo (French acronym C.S.A.C.H.) has been created

Article 2

The C.S.A.C.H. is responsible for:

1 - Monitoring the implementation of stipulations adopted in the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo, adopted in Pointe-Noire at the meeting between the Security Forces and the Armed Factions, in the presence of the Personnel Representative of the President of the Republic, and Facilitators, members of the Monitoring Commission for the Douala Appeal (CSAD) and the World Peace Council - Africa Area/Congolese Federation of NGOs, and Development Foundations and Associations (CMPZA/DE FECON) respectively.

2 - Continuing the efforts of mobilisation for peace, national reconciliation, and the reconstruction of the Congo, through raising awareness of the armed factions absent from the Pointe-Noire Meeting and the commonalty through the stipulations adopted by the Agreement on Ending Hostilities.

3 - Combating all forms of violence in the Republic of Congo by reporting any behaviour that could jeopardise the willingness to pacify the country, reconcile the nation, and restore every opportunity for development, to the national authorities.

Article 3

The C.S.A.C.H. is divided into working committees.

It makes use of a base, with headquarters in Brazzaville.

However, the base may be transferred to any location within the Republic.

Article 4

The C.S.A.C.H. committees are:

1 - The Committee for the collection of weapons.

2 - The Committee for the resettlement of displaced and exiled persons in their habitual place of residence.

3 - The Committee for the Integration and Reformation of former militiamen who have laid down their arms.

4 - The Communications Committee.

5 - The Logistics and Finance Committee.

Article 5

The operation and structuring of the committees are in conformity with policies and C.S.A.C.H. procedures.

However, each Committee can request the services of any individual or administration when necessary.

Each committee remains operational until its prescribed task is complete.

Article 6

C.S.A.C.H. members are from the following structures:

• Monitoring Commission for the Douala Appeal (C.S.A.D.)

• The World Peace Council - Africa Area/Congolese Federation

• The Security Forces

• Armed Factions that are signatories of the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo.

Individuals selected for their particular competence can also become members.

Article 7

Armed factions that are not signatories to the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo and who thereafter adhere to it shall delegate their members to Committee operations.

Article 8

The C.S.A.C.H. office consists of:

• A Chairman

• A Vice-President

• A Reporter

• A Secretary

• The Chairmen of the Five Committees

• A Treasurer

Article 9

The Committee consists of an office with 9 members, managed by:

• A Chairman

• A Vice-President

• A Reporter

Article 10

The C.S.A.C.H. adopts its own policies and procedures and budget.

Article 11

The committee's resources originate from grants, donations, and bequests.

Article 12

The Committee shall cease to exist upon the termination of its tasks.

Drawn up in Pointe-Noire, on November 16th 1999

Signatories

p.p. the Command of the Security Forces

General Gilbert Mokoki

[signed]

p.p. the Monitoring Commission of the Douala Appeal (Facilitator)

Marius Mouambenga

[signed]

p.p. the Ninja Command

Bernard Ntandou

[signed]

p.p. the World Peace Council Africa Area/Congo.

Fed. (

Facilitator)

Vital Balla

[signed]

p.p. the MNLCR Command

Martin Ngolo

[signed]

p.p. the MNLC Command

Colonel M'Bouissi-Moukoko

[signed]

p.p. the “Bana Dol” Command

P/M Jean-Michel Dississa

[signed]

p.p. the Résistance Sud Sud Command

Fidèle Ngoma Adada

[signed]

p.p. the Cobras Command

Faustin Elenga

[signed]

Monitoring Commission for the Agreement on Ending Hostilities in the Republic of Congo

Composition of the Executive Office

• Chairman:

Marius MOUAMBENGA (CSAD)

• Vice-President:

Vital BALLA (CMPZA/FECONDE)

• Reporter:

Colonel MBOUSSI-MOUKOKO (MNLC)

• Logistics and Finance:

Colonel KIBAMBA (FP)

• Secretary:

Faustin ELENGA (Cobras)

Committees

1 - The Committee for the collection of weapons

Chairman:

Colonel André Justin Bongouende (FP)

Vice-President:

Commander Bernard Ntandou (Ninjas)

Reporter:

Captain Séraphin Mouendzi (CSAD)

Members

Gilbert MBOUNGOU (CMPZA/FECONDE)

Pascal NGANTSIE (MNLC)

Pierre Alfred MANANGA (MNLCR)

Eticault LOKANGA (Cobras)

2 - The Committee for the resettlement of displaced and exiled persons in their habitual place of residence.

• Chairman:

Kinanga BERRY (CMPZA/FECONDE)

• Vice-President:

Colonel Guy ONGAGNA (FP)

• Reporter:

Guy Roger NGOKO (RSS)

Members

- Samuel Martin Okana Mpan (CSAD)

- Charles Ngoma Moukengue (MNLC)

- Martin Ngolo (MNLCR)

- Marcel lin Okanzi (Cobras)

3 - The Committee for the Integration and Reformation of former militiamen who have laid down their arms.

• Chairman:

Melanie Ibouritso (CSAD)

• Vice-President:

Dr Gervais Ngoma (MNLCR)

• Reporter:

Marcellin Elenga Ibata (Cobras)

Members

- Victor Malanda (CMPZA/FECONDE)

- Aser Malango (MNLC)

4 - The Communications Committee

• Chairman:

Jean-François Obembe (CSAD)

• Vice-President:

Serge Milandou (RSS)

• Reporter:

Jean-Romuald Mambou (CSAD)

Members

- Nkaya Ngongo (MNLCR)

- Albert Mbiene Moundzika (MNLC)

- Augustin Kalla Kalla (Cobras)

5 - The Finances and Materials Committee

• Chairman:

Colonel Guy Antoine Bouyika Niouma (FP)

• Vice-President:

Lieutenant Colonel Alphonse Missie (Bana Dol)

• Reporter:

Luc Adamo Mateta (CSAD)

Members

- Vincent Mbiene (CMPZA/FECONDE)

- Benjamin Kokolo Loubaki (MNLC)

- Dominique Kombo (MNLCR)

- Didier Gondi (Cobras)